Characterization
Characterization
• Definition:
characterization
is the process by
which the writer
reveals the
personality of a
character.
Methods of Characterization
1. Inner Thoughts and Feelings
•
•
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The reader gets to see and hear the character’s
thoughts and feelings in reaction to different
situations.
First Person Narrative – Thoughts and feelings
are revealed by the main character
Third Person Narrative – The narrator
describes the inner thoughts and feelings of the
character.
Inner thoughts and feelings are revealed for a
major character by his or her story telling or
through narration.
Methods of Characterization
2. Speech
The words a character says.
For example, “Whatever…” or
“OMG!”
A character’s “speech” may or
may not agree with the
character’s true inner
thoughts and feelings, but
the dialogue may reveal
more about the character.
Methods of Characterization
3. Actions –
•
What a character
does.
walk, run, or stomp
•
Actions reveal the
character’s
willingness or
unwillingness to
participate in the
events of the story.
Methods of Characterization
4. What others say:
• A character’s response or
actions may tell the
reader something about
another character.
• For example, how a
character talks about
another character, or the
facial expressions one
character shows about
another character.
Methods of
Characterization
5. Appearance
How a character looks or
is described by the
narrator, by other
characters, or in the
character’s own words.
Physical Traits
include: hair
color/length, facial
description, body type,
and clothing etc.
Examples…
• Turn to the person next to you, a discuss a few
characters traits about the character in one of
your favorite books or movies or TV character.
• REMEMBER…traits are not emotions, they
show the character’s personality, and what they
might do.
Review the 5
Methods of Characterization
I – inner thoughts and feelings
S – speech
A – actions
W – what others say
A – appearance
…CHARACTER
Analyze the character traits…
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvHpGQVDF6w
Olaf’s traits:
• Curious- He stops to smell the flower
(actions).
• Cautious- He’s worried about Sven eating
his nose.
• Thought- He’s worried about losing his
nose again.
• Inventive- He arranges his body and tries
to come up with ways to get across the ice.
• Grateful- he accepts his nose back from
Sven.
Type of
Characters
Protagonist:
Antagonist:
This character is usually
the hero of the story.
The main character who
has a problem.
This character or force always
opposes the protagonist. (an evil
adversary)
The character or force in conflict with
the protagonist.
He/She may not be
perfect, but the reader or
audience “cheers” him/her
Sometimes the adversary is truly evil
or a bully.
on.
The “good guy”.
The “bad guy”.
Type of
Dynamic:
Characters
A dynamic character
changes during the
story.
The change is usually a
result of solving the
conflict.
The dynamic character is
usually one of the main
characters.
Static:
A static character does not
change in a story.
Usually the static characters
are minor characters.
Or possibly the story’s or
novel’s antagonist.
Types of
Round:
A character who we
know a lot about.
The reader learns
many details about
this character. They
are “well rounded”
like a 3-D person.
Characters
Flat:
A character who we
don’t know well. The
reader learns little
about this character.
They are “flat” like a
paper doll, only 2-D.
Your turn!
• https://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=cfs06YE
X-tc
• What type of
character traits do
you see in this clip?
• Explain your
answer.